Iga Swiatek dropped to her knees in agony after receiving a harsh body blow from Danielle Collins during their quarterfinal match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. This is Swiatek’s second appearance at the Olympics, while Collins was making her debut.
Swiatek, the top seed in Paris, started her Olympic campaign by defeating Irina-Camelia Begu 6-2, 7-5 and Diane Parry 6-1, 6-1 in the first and second rounds, respectively. She then won against Wang Xinyu 6-3, 6-4 in the third round to reach her first career Olympic quarterfinal.
Meanwhile, Collins, seeded eighth in the tournament, began by advancing past Laura Siegemund 6-3, 2-0 ret. in the first round, followed by a victory over Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the second round. She then overcame Camila Osorio 6-0, 4-6, 6-3 in the third round to reach the quarterfinals.
Iga Swiatek advanced to the semifinals after her quarterfinal opponent, eighth-seed Danielle Collins, retired during the third set with the score at 6-1, 2-6, 4-1.
During the second set, Collins delivered a powerful backhand passing shot that struck Swiatek in the stomach, causing her to crumple to the ground in pain. L
Despite the fierce competition, Collins displayed sportsmanship by checking on Swiatek’s well-being and approaching her side of the court.